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Tarcoola is a town that was. Most renown for being the last station on both the trans-continental railways, before they diverge towards Perth and Darwin.

Originally settled because of gold mining in the area, the mining ceased in the area about 50 years ago, and the town has been in decline. It experienced a brief resurgence during the construction and maintenance of the standard gauge Ghan railway in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it nearly qualifies as a ghost town.

The Ghan passes through the town once or twice a week in each direction. It will stop on request at Tarcoola. With no shops open and no accommodation, it isn't a popular stop on the trans-continental route. If you're changing trains (from the Ghan to the Indian Pacific, or vice-versa) change at Port Augusta or Adelaide.

The town is only accessible on dirt roads. Check road conditions, and take some precautions for driving in remote areas. It is no longer possible to follow the railway route in a 4wd.